Planted Skyhttps://www.plantedsky.com
Creative Media & DesignWed, 04 Apr 2018 19:50:24 +0000en-UShourly1https://www.plantedsky.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/cropped-planted-sky-logo-cloud-white-32x32.jpgPlanted Skyhttps://www.plantedsky.com
3232Inspiration Boards on Pinterest: A Must for any Logo Design Processhttps://www.plantedsky.com/blog/logo-design-inspiration-board-pinterest
https://www.plantedsky.com/blog/logo-design-inspiration-board-pinterest#respondMon, 07 Aug 2017 19:35:43 +0000https://www.plantedsky.com/?p=1680Skill Level: Noob Reading time: 5 min Creating a logo for your brand can be a very intimidating process. So many ideas. Where to begin? Do you need a logomark? Or just a logotype? How many colors should you have? How will you make a logo that stands out from the rest? An “inspiration board” […]

Creating a logo for your brand can be a very intimidating process. So many ideas. Where to begin? Do you need a logomark? Or just a logotype? How many colors should you have? How will you make a logo that stands out from the rest?

An “inspiration board” is something you can do right now that will help you answer these questions. It doesn’t matter if you’re a designer yourself, or you consider yourself “artistically challenged”, everyone can appreciate good design when they see it. And documenting these ideas is a vital step in a sound creative process. I’ve designed over 100 logos for all types of organizations, and the inspiration board is always one of my first steps. Also known as moodboards, these are nothing new to the design industry and have been around long before the internet. Luckily, we have tools like Pinterest to quickly ease this process – so that we aren’t cutting out pictures from magazines and gluing them onto a posterboard. *cringe*

So let’s walk through the steps in getting your board set up….

Instructions for Pinterest

Create a secret board on Pinterest. Name it something obvious, i.e. “Tasty Treats Branding Board.” I do recommend that you first create it privately. You can always make it public later if you want to share it, but once it is public, you can not make it private.

Search for any inspiration in Pinterest, and save any pins to your board that you’d like to reference in designing your logo. A good board will have at least 10 pins, but I recommend pushing for 20+. The more the merrier! Check out my tips below for coming up with pin ideas.

Invite any collaborators (If you’re working with me and have already submitted your logo discovery from, then you can invite us to take a look: hello@plantedsky.com).

Tips for adding pins

There’s no strict format for what type of pins you should add. Save anything that catches your eye. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a logo. It can be a photograph, simple color, pattern, painting, infographic, quote, etc. If it resonates with you while thinking about your own own brand, just save it to the board! Of course I do recommend to have at least a few logos in there for reference. They could be competitor logos or just logo designs from an entirely different industry that you really like. These pins will serve as great talking points for reference if you’re working with me or another designer. Even if you’re designing your own logo, this exercise will help you seek clarity in your vision and get all of your inspiration in one centralized spot.

Let’s say you’re really into unicorns and you’re starting a new clothing line. I would search for:

“unicorn”

“unicorn art”

“unicorn logo design”

“unicorn clothing”

“clothing design”

“clothing company logos”

“top clothing co. logos”

You get the idea… no rules here, just a loose format to follow. I do recommend combining the phrase “logo design” with some of your searches to see what’s already out there.

Leaving actual comments on the individual pins as you save them is a nice, thorough habit to get into if you have the time – especially if its a collaborative project.

Here are some past examples of boards I’ve co-created and the logos that were birthed as a result:

You might notice that the first example board is made up of other logo designs, while the second was more so an exploration of moods through abstract paintings and compositions. Neither answer is wrong or right, and both boards helped us reach a final logo design. I would however encourage that your board has at least a few logos in there for reference (something that this second board is missing).

So there you have it. Very simple and painless process, don’t overthink it. This activity should be fun!

If you’re looking for some assistance on creating your brand, please feel free to check out my work and drop me a line. I even have a great discovery form that compliments this inspiration board perfectly. Fill out the logo discovery form now and I will follow up with you right away (it takes about 10 minutes).

Do you have different exercises or resources that work for you in your creative processes? Questions about my approach? Please feel free to comment below to share your thoughts!

]]>https://www.plantedsky.com/blog/logo-design-inspiration-board-pinterest/feed0Google Tasks: The Hidden Gem in Google Appshttps://www.plantedsky.com/blog/google-tasks-hidden-gem-apps-work-to-do-list
https://www.plantedsky.com/blog/google-tasks-hidden-gem-apps-work-to-do-list#respondMon, 04 Apr 2016 04:48:13 +0000http://localhost/?p=842I spend a lot of time in Google. Definitely more than the average web user, and more than I’d typically like to admit. I spend a good 2+ hours a day between Gmail and Calendar alone, which are the only two tabs that are always open on my browser (pinned of course). I even measured […]

]]>I spend a lot of time in Google. Definitely more than the average web user, and more than I’d typically like to admit.I spend a good 2+ hours a day between Gmail and Calendar alone, which are the only two tabs that are always open on my browser (pinned of course). I even measured my activity in Rescue Time for a few months to test out my productivity, and I averaged about 8 hours/week in gmail. (This is active, clicking typing, etc, not just when the tab is open). I’ve heard the whole “check twice a day” strategy and agree with most of it, but I personally try to be readily available to my existing clients for majority of the workday.

Aside from communicating with others, a lot my time within Google is spent on planning out my next day, week or month. Over the years I have come up with my own task management system that ties the features of Google’s Calendar and Gmail together to manage my personal goals and everyday activities, ranging from running errands to closing deals with potential clients.I will be writing more on this ecosystem I have created, but for the sake of this article I am focusing on just one feature that is tucked away in the Calendar: Google’s Tasks. Or as I like to call it the hidden gem of Google Calendar.

Setting Up Tasks

I’m going to assume that you are somewhat familiar with Calendar and/or Gmail. You can follow along on Google’s documentation if needed. Here are my directions on the important stuff:To access from Calendar*

On the left side under “My calendars,” click “Tasks.” Your tasks will open on the right sidebar.

To access from Gmail

In the top left corner, click the down arrow next to Gmail or Mail. Then click “Tasks.” The Tasks window will open in the bottom right corner.For Mobile Access, I would recommend a third party app like gTasks or gmail.com/tasks on your mobile browser, but this article is geared more towards the non-mobile users (desktops, laptops, etc)

* I prefer using Tasks solely on the Calendar page because it makes the most sense to view it together with my calendar. But try out both and see which method you prefer. The nice thing about the gmail version is that you can pop it out into its own new window. With calendar it is locked into place.

3 Ways to Create New Tasks

Directly from the Tasks Dashboard (Click the + symbol)

In Calendar, just like you would create a new event.

From an email, on the options dropdown. This one is great because you can keep your inbox clean and still easily “bookmark” an email into your tasklist.

Parts of a “Task”

Simply out, Tasks is a To Do List with special functionality. It is a simple text editor that outputs text in a click-drag sortable list. You can create hierarchies by simply indenting with the “tab” key. I like to use this feature for tasks that rely on other tasks. See below for example. I can’t buy spinach without first going to the grocery store, so I indent it below.

Go to the grocery store

Buy Spinach

Fill up Water Jug

Drop off letter in mailbox

Once you start clicking around,you can see there are some other cool little features underneath the surface. Try creating a new task. On its far right you will see a small arrow icon. Click this to bring up the task info.

Once you’re on a specific task view, you will see a couple important fields here: the Due Date” and the “Notes” box.

The Due Date is awesome for tasks with a deadline and will even show up right in your calendar for the submitted date. Awesome. You can also sort your tasklist by due date if you prefer a change from the manually sorted view. You can also revisit the Actions tab to toggle your sorting preferences.

The Notes are great for storing secondary information. For example if you have a task titled “Call Print Company” then you can include the actual phone number in the notes box.

Other Important Features

Once you’ve pulled up the Tasks window, click the Actions button at the bottom left of the list..

There are a few different items in this menu, but the most important is “Clear completed Tasks”

This is what you will select whenever you have checked off some tasks and want to clean up your view. You can also just manually backspace on a task to delete individual tasks. I prefer the former.

Also please pay attention to the switchlist dropdown on the far right. Here is where you will organize your lists and toggle which one you are currently viewing.

Finding a personal system that works for you.

So now that you know the basics of the Tasks app, let’s talk about coming up with your own personal way of organizing your tasks. The key is to create a categorization that fits to your everyday lifestyle and needs.I am a freelance web designer, so I work from home and I am plugged into the laptop for majority of my waking hours. I run errands, exercise, and have the occasional client meeting, but most of my time I’m at home typing and clicking. So I built a set of Lists that curate to my different physical environments and patterns that I’ve recognized in my habits.

I’ve gone through a lot of trial and error and theorizing on the best way to categorize my to do lists, and after a good two years of experimentation, this is the best solution I’ve come up with so far. I’ve set up my lists that go as followed:

Computer-Clients

This is what I check first always everyday.

Anything that relates to clients: sending out emails, finishing a graphic, etc.

Any task that other people are relying on me for that involves me making money through my business.

Computer-Personal

This is for my own tasks, (i.e. paying a bill online, emailing a friend, scheduling doctor’s appointment on a website). Anything that really just affects me outside of my professional career, but requires a computer. This is my default to-do list (the un-deletable list that Google auto-creates for you that you can rename).

Errands

These are things to do when I am out and about. (i.e. picking up something at store, stopping at mailbox, ) That way, when I think of random things to pick up throughout the week, I write them down right away and let this list accumulate. Then I knock them out in one fell swoop when I want to get out of the house.

Downtown

I live out in a suburb, but I have to go the city(Chicago) often for work. When I’m out there I like to squeeze in as much as I can while I’m there (i.e. lunch with friends/clients, shopping at my favorite grocery store, etc).

Home

This is for anything that is related to my home, as its physical location. (i.e. cleaning out garage, fix bike, etc.). This list is great when I want to be productive at home but want to unplug for a while.

These are the 5 lists that are most fitting for my life. While these can vary from person, I still think everyone could benefit from the categorization strategy that I’ve come up with. For example a musician you can have “Songs in progress” and a “Booking & Touring” list. Or if you’re working in an office, you might have an “Office” Tasklist.So my lists are separated by whether they require me in the physical world or the digital. I hop around these lists depending on what I am in the mood for, in a way I can harness the natural energy and put it to use. They say certain hours of the day are ideal for certain types of work (repetitive mundane tasks vs critical thinking vs designing), and I think its important to listen to your own intuition and pay attention to what your mind is telling you. I am always trying to do what feels most natural for my brain and what would excite me the most. The most pleasant thing to work on with the least friction for my wellbeing. Ride that wave and use it to my advantage for productivity!

Overview

A to do list seems like such a trivial thing until you implement one that works with your life. One that works really well! That is why there are dozens of task management apps available that all offer the same core product, onlywith different spins on some of the complex features.I personally choose Google Tasks over all of the other options out there because:

It’s free.

It’s already in Google apps.

I have a few discrepancies with it too that I would love to see fixed in future development like:

Have a tagging system like Todoist so tasks can be categorized more than once.

Option to leave all tasks on in calendar view regardless of what current list I am viewing.

A few other quirks, but overall it is still my favorite. If I was to ever consider a paid app it’d probably be Todoist from my research/experimenting, but for now I’m sticking with what works.

If you have any questions please feel free to comment below. I couldn’t possibly cover every single feature in detail without scaring everyone away (did anyone make it this far?)

I am working on a more thorough webinar that covers my entire Google ecosystem in full. It covers more of the calendar functionality and how I use Events with gmail and its hidden features to really optimize my workflow and create order to my random lifestyle. This includes sections on:

Bookmarking & Managing Emails with Tasks + Boomerang

Calendar & Event Management

Bullet Journaling with Calendar

Recurring Events & Appointment Slots

Notifications & Reminders

Goal Setting System

Feel free to subscribe to my newsletter if you want to learn more about that and get other small biz tips and special offers. I’m new to blogging so you can probably expect some good content from me- at least for a little bit while I’m still ripe and not jaded 😛

Are you using any to-do list apps? Notes? Todoist? Wunderlist? Tell me which one you prefer and why! I’d love to hear some feedback.

]]>https://www.plantedsky.com/blog/google-tasks-hidden-gem-apps-work-to-do-list/feed0#VECTORIZEMYLOGO Instagram Contest: Win a vector version of your logo sketch!https://www.plantedsky.com/blog/vectorizemylogo-contest
https://www.plantedsky.com/blog/vectorizemylogo-contest#respondMon, 07 Mar 2016 19:13:12 +0000http://www.plantedsky.com/?p=953To celebrate the revamp of our website, we are running a special contest on our instagram pic. To enter, there are three simple steps to follow: Like the contest photo on Instagram: Follow us on Instagram @PlantedSky Post a sketch of your logo idea using the contest hashtag #VECTORIZEMYLOGO while mentioning @PlantedSky Your logo sketch can be […]

Post a sketch of your logo idea using the contest hashtag #VECTORIZEMYLOGO while mentioning @PlantedSky

Your logo sketch can be in black and white or in color.

Your sketch can be as complete as you want it to be, but remember this is a logo contest, so it should be a symbol/text used for a company, band, artist, etc. We are not looking for full blown illustration scenes.

We will choose a winner (our favorite concept) on Monday, March 28 at Noon (12pm CT).

5. Closing date for entry will be March 27. After this date the no further entries to the competition will be permitted.

6. No responsibility can be accepted for entries not received for whatever reason.

7. The rules of the competition and the prize for each winner are stated above.

8. The promoter reserves the right to cancel or amend the competition and these terms and conditions without notice in the event of a catastrophe, war, civil or military disturbance, act of God or any actual or anticipated breach of any applicable law or regulation or any other event outside of the promoter’s control. Any changes to the competition will be notified to entrants as soon as possible by the promoter.

9. The promoter is not responsible for inaccurate prize details supplied to any entrant by any third party connected with this competition.

10. No cash alternative to the prizes will be offered. The prizes are not transferable. Prizes are subject to availability and we reserve the right to substitute any prize with another of equivalent value without giving notice.

11. Winners will be chosen by an independent adjudicator or panel of judges appointed by the Promoter.

12. The winner will be notified by email and/or letter within 28 days of the closing date. If the winner cannot be contacted or do not claim the prize within 14 days of notification, we reserve the right to withdraw the prize from the winner and pick a replacement winner.

13. The promoter will notify the winner when and where the prize can be collected.

14. The promoter’s decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.

15. By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions.

16. The competition and these terms and conditions will be governed by English law and any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the United States.

17. The winner agrees to the use of his/her name and image in any publicity material. Any personal data relating to the winner or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current [UK] data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant’s prior consent.

18. The winner’s name will be available 28 days after closing date by emailing hello@PlantedSky.com

19. Entry into the competition will be deemed as acceptance of these terms and conditions.

20. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Network. You are providing your information to Planted Sky and not to any other party. The information provided will be used in conjunction with the following Privacy Policy found at Planted Sky’s privacy policy.

]]>https://www.plantedsky.com/blog/vectorizemylogo-contest/feed0New Website!https://www.plantedsky.com/blog/welcome-new-website
https://www.plantedsky.com/blog/welcome-new-website#respondMon, 07 Mar 2016 12:30:17 +0000http://localhost/?p=1If you’re reading this post, thank you for stopping by. If you’ve been to my site before, you may notice things look a bit different (and nicer on the eyes!) I spent a good chunk of 2015 switching over from Drupal to WordPress (for this site and several others), and I gotta say I am pretty […]

]]>If you’re reading this post, thank you for stopping by. If you’ve been to my site before, you may notice things look a bit different (and nicer on the eyes!) I spent a good chunk of 2015 switching over from Drupal to WordPress (for this site and several others), and I gotta say I am pretty pleased so far!

This doesn’t mean I’m saying goodbye to Drupal, because every business should consider all the major platforms when building out their brand, but I’ll save that discussion for another day. If you’re starting a business or considering a site revamp and need help making that decision, feel free to contact me for a consultation.

One of my goals with this new site is to provide resources for small businesses to thrive on the web. This includes anything from social media marketing tips to educational infographics on web technologies.

On top of that, I will be doing fun contests and giveaways for some of my goods and services (think logo designs, website templates, etc).

I also have a handful of personal projects in the works that I’m really excited about, including a sustainable clothing company, a vegan foodie blog, and much much more.

If any of the above interests you, feel free to join my monthly newsletter. My email blasts will always provide something useful for anyone running a business on the web; whether it is design, marketing, or other productivity resources.